Could use some help with regard to selecting tires for a 2011 Overland with Hemi that I will order soon. I would like to choose the tires that are best in the snow since there is a long steep hill near where I live. (I am less concerned about the appearance of the tire).

If I have it right, the Overland comes standard with 20 inch tires. Would it be better to choose the P265/60R18 OWL On/Off Road Tires? I was thinking that the 18 inch tires might be better in the snow and they would be less expensive to buy when it comes time to replace them.

When I spoke with the dealer he said that to get the 18 inch tires I would have to order the off road package which includes skid plates which I don't need. (Also, I read that debris, road salt, etc can accumulate with skid plates). I wondered if the skid plates would add significant extra weight and could be removed. Not sure if there are other options that I have not considered.

Any help would be most appreciated. As you can see, I am a novice at all this, so feel free to dumb down your response so I can follow ...:)

Thanks.

Jim Hef

09-03-2010 12:58 PM

Re: Question re choosing tires (Overland)

An AT tread will always be better in the snow than the all-season highway stuff. However, you could consider getting a set of 18" wheels and mounting dedicated snow tires for the three months that you would need them. Not sure how many snows will be available in the Overland 20" size, but I have noticed that no AT treads are available. They may be some narrower sizes with larger aspect ratios that would fit, but haven't gone there yet to check.

\\WK2//

09-03-2010 01:43 PM

Re: Question re choosing tires (Overland)

I might be wrong, but last time I checked there are limited options in the 20’ inch size (265\50\20), plus they are really expensive. I think it’s better to go with 18’s or 17’s… Cheaper, more options to choose from, and more sidewall is always good if you plan on going off-road. Just my 2 cents.

nek121328

09-03-2010 04:30 PM

Re: Question re choosing tires (Overland)

I'll purchase a set of 18" black steel wheels as well as a set of snow tires for winter. It's the only way to stay sure footed in the rural roads.

Bucky

09-03-2010 05:38 PM

Re: Question re choosing tires (Overland)

Quote:

Originally Posted by nek121328
(Post 262839)

I'll purchase a set of 18" black steel wheels as well as a set of snow tires for winter. It's the only way to stay sure footed in the rural roads.

This is what I plan on doing as well, although I might spring for something above and beyond steelies--or maybe not.

What I would do is go with the standard awesome 20 inch Overland wheels, then buy a set of four 18" wheels/tires for your dedicated winter setup. If snow is that big of an issue, it will be worth it. Plus, then the 20 inch tires that are so expensive will last that much longer because they're not being used in the winter.

nek121328

09-03-2010 06:59 PM

Re: Question re choosing tires (Overland)

I'll be looking for some decent caps to work with the steel wheels. Figure the sand blasting effects of the winter roads would ruin any expensive wheel choice.

rdalcanto

09-29-2010 10:11 AM

Re: Question re choosing tires (Overland)

In my family, we all have a second set of wheels with Blizzaks for all our vehicles here in Utah, that we use November-April. The difference in snow on a steep hill is night and day. Worth the peace of mind knowing that you will be able to stop much better when you need to with the Studless snow tires on. It is not just a matter of tread pattern, its the rubber compound.... Much cheaper with 17 or 18 inch wheels.

ScottCJeep

10-01-2010 11:36 AM

Re: Question re choosing tires (Overland)

I believe that if you get the Overland with one of the off road adventure groups, you can't get the 20 inch wheels only the 18's

tks2010

10-02-2010 05:57 AM

Re: Question re choosing tires (Overland)

You can't switch between 18 inch snow tires and 20 inch wheels since it would throw off the odometer. I ordered an Overland with 18 inch (off road package) since I heard 18 inch would provide a better ride. I had to give up those nice 20 inch rims. I am also not sure about the weight of the skid plates. The salesman did tell me that he gets them to protect the underside in heavy snow when you are not sure what you will run into. Anybody know the weight and whether they are worth taking off?

rdalcanto

10-02-2010 08:33 AM

Re: Question re choosing tires (Overland)

Quote:

Originally Posted by tks2010
(Post 278124)

You can't switch between 18 inch snow tires and 20 inch wheels since it would throw off the odometer.

Not true. The 18 inch and 20 inch referes to the diameter of the metal part of the wheel/tire combo. 18 inch setup will have a small diameter rim, but make up for it with a taller sidewall on the tire. The final diameter is the same. 20 inch wheels will corner better because the sidewalls are shorter, and don't bend as much (that is why sports cars have big wheels and short sidewalls on the tires). But, for off-roading, the lower sidewalls of the 20 inch wheels will mean bent rims from rocks, etc. You can totally have 20 inch wheels for summer if you stay on the pavement, and cheaper 18 inch wheelset for winter (with good snow tires) when you are also more likely to hit potholes, etc., that could damage the 20 inch rims.

Scottina06

10-02-2010 10:50 AM

The 20" wheels will have abetter ride than the 18's imo......they do on my jeep anyway......

Sent from my MB300 using Tapatalk

Jim Hef

10-06-2010 09:30 AM

Re: Question re choosing tires (Overland)

That's really contrary to anything we've ever thought about tires! I guess you could go from truck rated 18s to very compliant highway tread 20s, but normally, the shorter sidewalled 'handling' tire will be less forgiving.